Do you have good heart health?

Journal-Advocate staff

Posted:
01/05/2013 08:26:14 AM MST

This year about 1.2 million Americans will have a first or recurrent coronary attack. Seemingly healthy individuals often exhibit no symptoms and feel healthy. They may identify few, if any, risk factors, have average cholesterol levels, and show normal results on a stress or exercise treadmill test. For these individuals, the first and only sign of clogged arteries is a heart attack. However, if the risk factors leading to a heart attack are identified early enough, 85 percent of sudden heart attacks may be prevented.

CT Heart Score, a revolutionary screening at Sterling Regional MedCenter, detects the presence of coronary artery disease by accurately measuring the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries.

The procedure begins with a fast painless computed tomography CT exam, more commonly know as a CAT scan. It uses x-rays and multiple detectors to create interior images of the heart. By analyzing images of the coronary arteries, a radiologist can determine how much calcified plaque the arteries contain.

It is also recommended that participants take advantage of one or more inexpensive blood tests that best fits your wellness goals. Together with the scan, this gives you a comprehensive picture of your overall risk for developing heart disease.

"This is a great opportunity to make life style changes. I considered it a baseline for my heart," said Wuerz.

The cost of the CT Heart Score screening including the wellness consultation is $199.

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Optional blood tests related to heart disease and stroke are also available with the CT scan. These include a lipid profile for $25, a high sensitive C-reactive protein for $15, and/or a homocysteine for $30.

Appointments are available for the CT Heart Score on Friday, Jan. 25. All appointments are in the morning between 7:30 and 9 a.m. Call (970) 521-3260 to schedule your appointment by Wednesday, Jan. 23.

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